Giant defender Khair Jones admits it was "a bit of a shock" to be plucked from the second division into the Malaysian national side, but says he intends to make the most of the opportunity.

The Melaka United utility player scored on his starting debut against Timor-Leste last week and is part of a 24-man squad which is beginning a three-match tour of Oceania.

They arrived at their training base in Brisbane on Sunday and will play their first match against Papua-New Guinea in Port Moresby on Saturday.

"It's been a bit of a shock," Jones told ESPN FC. "I think I have been playing pretty well for Melaka United. But it is still a bit of a surprise [to be part of the national squad].

The 26-year-old earned his first cap off the bench in a friendly against Myanmar on May 28, coming on for left-back Fazly Mazlan as a second-half substitute in Yangon.

Against Timor-Leste in the second leg of AFC Asian Cup playoff, Jones started in left midfield and scored the opening goal as Malaysia romped to a 3-0 victory in Johor Bahru for a 6-0 win on aggregate. The result earned the Malaysians a place in the third round of qualifying for United Arab Emirates 2019.

"It was a pretty amazing feeling [to score]," he said. "It was pretty incredible because usually I use my right foot for standing only and to score with my right was great."

Jones was born in Seremban, but grew up in New Zealand, playing much of his football with Palmerston North Marist in New Zealand's Central Premier League.

He would have loved to have visited New Zealand on this tour, but, instead, will come up against some of the All Whites' Oceania rivals in Fiji and New Caledonia, in addition to Papua New Guinea.

"I have been following the OFC Nations Cup which has been happening now. New Zealand have been having a bit of tough time [against the other Oceania nations] so I don't think it will be easy for us," he added.

Jones joined Melaka United for the 2016 Malaysia Premier League season and has helped the Mousedeers to the top of the table, with only one defeat in their first 12 matches.

His ability to play in central defence and as a left-sided defensive or attacking player means that he presents a versatile option for coach Ong Kim Swee ahead of November's AFF Suzuki Cup.

Source:
courtesy of ESPNFC

by Jason Dasey

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